Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

an unfortunate mishap; especially one causing damage or injury

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

a woman who has recently been married

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

an orange of low brightness and saturation

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

plural of “cast” — the actors in a play

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

past form of “chalk” — write, draw, or trace with chalk

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

in a clever manner

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

third-person singular of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

Spanish explorer who discovered Yucatan (1475-1526)

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

affected with madness or insanity

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

at any time

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

give expression to

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

opinion or judgment

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

highest in quality

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

pleasing in appearance especially by reason of conformity to ideals of form and proportion

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

to a considerable degree

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

the main good female character in a work of fiction

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

having joints or jointed segments

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

immediately past

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

the words of an opera or musical play

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

plural of “lid” — either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

insane and believed to be affected by the phases of the moon

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

roused to anger

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

engage in

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

hide under a false appearance

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

and nothing more

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

apply a heavy coat to

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

a solid substance in the form of tiny loose particles; a solid that has been pulverized

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

declaiming wildly

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading AUTHOR OF "SARACINESCA," "SANT' ILARIO," "FAIR MARGARET," ETC., ETC.

the place where some action occurs

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

the act of singing vocal music

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

at the time that

From this reading When the accident happened, Cordova was singing the mad scene in _Lucia_ for the last time in that season, and she had never sung it better.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

(of hair) having lost its color

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Only a crazy woman could express feeling in such an unusual way.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

plural of “wrist” — a joint between the distal end of the radius and the proximal row of carpal bones

From this reading Cordova's face was nothing but a mask of powder, in which her handsome brown eyes would have looked like two holes if she had not kept them half shut under the heavily whitened lids; her hands were chalked too, and they were like plaster casts of hands, cleverly jointed at the wrists.

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading _The Bride of Lammermoor_ is the greatest love-story ever written, and it was nothing short of desecration to make a libretto of it; but so far as the last act is concerned the opera certainly conveys the impression that the heroine is a raving lunatic.